October 2009
ARTICLES
Math Not a Set of Rules, But Problem-Solving
(Michael Alison Chandler, New York Times)
Getting students to better understand how math works -- and what it's good for --
are fundamental goals for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, according
to The Washington Post. The council released new guiding principles for high school
mathematics this month, emphasizing that "reasoning" and "sense-making" should be
at the center of all lessons.
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Science Students Benefit from Teachers' Research Experience
(David Nagel, T.H.E. Journal)
When high school and middle school science teachers engage in extracurricular research
work, their students benefit. That's the result of a new study published in Science
last week by researchers at Columbia University. In addition, they found that such
extracurricular research work can also bring economic benefits to schools and communities.
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Stemapalooza Sows Seeds for Math, Science Careers
(Ann Schrader, Denver Post)
In an effort to boost interest in scientific and technical education and careers,
STEMapalooza will take over the Colorado Convention Center today and Saturday. The
idea is to attract people to those fields and to link educational efforts with jobs
and to link employers with job seekers. More than 7,500 people, many of them children
on school field trips, are expected to attend the free event that runs from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. both days.
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The Tiny Differences in the Littlest Brains
(Emily Bazelon, Washington Post)
Bazelton reviews a new book, "Pink Brain, Blue Brain," in which author Lise Eliot
explains, clearly and authoritatively, what the research on brain-based sex difference
actually shows, and offers helpful suggestions about how we can erase the small
gaps for our children instead of turning them into larger ones.
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Study: 4-H Sparks Science Achievement in Children
(Mark Pratt, AP)
American universities have an ally in their efforts to educate more students in
science, technology and engineering and keep the nation competitive in the global
economy, a Tufts University study released Wednesday shows. Children involved in
4-H perform better in those subjects and are more likely to pursue science careers,
according to the study, released Wednesday in conjunction with 4-H National Youth
Science Day.
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New Tack on Math Promoted
(Sean Cavanagh, Education Week)
Three years after calling for a reordering of elementary and middle school math
curricula, the nation's largest group of math teachers is urging a new approach
to high school instruction, one that aims to build students' ability to choose and
apply the most effective problem-solving techniques, in the classroom and in life.
Read More
Research: Many Top-Tier Students Opt Out of STEM Studies
(Sean Cavanagh, Education Week)
The number of students studying science, technology, engineering and math remains
strong among all groups except for a growing percentage of top performers, according
to a new study financed by a philanthropy. The study results call into question
the belief that students are not choosing STEM careers because they are underprepared
or short on talent. Researchers theorized that top-tier students might be lured
away from STEM careers by other higher-paying jobs or by jobs in fields such as
information technology that require STEM skills but are not classified as STEM fields.
Read More
Nobel Prizes 2009: A Record Year for Women
This year, 5 women were honored by the Nobel committees. In total, only 40 women
have won the prestigious prizes. The 2009 winners include:
Elinor Ostrom, 76, who made history by being the first woman to win the
Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, sharing it with fellow American Oliver
Williamson for their work in economic governance.
Elizabeth H. Blackburn, 60, and Carol W. Greider, 48, who shared the 2009
Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine with Jack W. Szostak for their work in solving
the mystery of how chromosomes protect themselves from degrading when cells divide.
Ada Yonath, 70, of Israel, who shared the Nobel Prize in chemistry with
Americans Venkatraman Ramakrishnan and Thomas Steitz for their atom-by-atom description
of ribosomes.
Herta Mueller, 56, a Romanian-born German writer who won the literature
prize for her critical depiction of life behind the Iron Curtain.
PUBLICATIONS
The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything
This comprehensive report from Maria Shriver and the Center for American Progress
is centered on the fact that women now make up half of all workers in the United
States. Included is research by leading authorities on working families and the
United States labor market, government, business, media and faith. Among the report's
findings is that some of our institutions lag behind and don't yet reflect this
new dynamic. Government, business, the media and our faith communities, in many
cases, still cling to outdated models of who works and who cares for our families.
Note that a publication by Mimi Lufkin, Mary Wiberg, et al. is referenced in endnote
10 in the education chapter!
Learn More
The Department of Labor Has Updated Some of Its Quick Fact Sheets
This comprehensive report from Maria Shriver and the Center for AEmployment Status
of Women and Men in 2008; 20 Leading Occupations of Employed Women 2008; Nontraditional
Jobs for Women 2008; Women in the Labor Force in 2008; Hot Jobs for the 21st Century,
2006-2016.
Learn More
The Global Gender Gap Report 2009
Through the Global Gender Gap Reports, the World Economic Forum has been quantifying
the magnitude of gender-based disparities and tracking their progress over time.
By providing a comprehensive framework for benchmarking global gender gaps, the
report reveals those countries that are role models in dividing resources equitably
between women and men, regardless of their level of resources.
Learn More
Iceland Leads Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2009
NAPE PDI
NAPE's 2010 Professional Development Institute, "A New Decade for Equity," will
be held in Arlington, VA, on April 12-15, 2010.
Registration is open!
Consider submitting an RFP!
RESOURCES
are produced by middle school girls and capture their learning experiences as they
investigate what it means to be a scientist or engineer.
This guide is for people who find themselves involved in outreach programs, or want
to know about them.
PCAST is an advisory group of the nation's leading scientists and engineers who
directly advise the President and the Executive Office of the President.
SAVE THE DATE
The Art of Science, Creating a Better Future
Fort Worth, TX
October 31-November 3, 2009
Gender Gaps at the Top in Math and Science
November 3, 3 p.m. Eastern time
The Infinite Possibilities Conference aims to promote, educate, and encourage minority
women interested in math and statistics.
Los Angeles, CA
March 19-20, 2010
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